It was the flickering almost-shadows that drew me outside. I say almost because I wondered how there could be shadow with so much cloud. But there they were, tracing faint shapes; a collective streaming ellipse in the sky. Soundless.
And then another cloud, a low thrum, and I knew what brought the gulls. A swarm of insects, tiny and winged. Sticking to my damp skin, working their way into my hair, slipping under the thin gaps between clothing and flesh.
One of These Birds is Not Like the Others
© Karen McRae, 2014
draw and shoot 
Beautiful pictures.
Karen, these are beautiful. I’m starting to really get into taking pictures of birds. The more photos I take the more beautiful I find them to be.
They are enchanting creatures, aren’t they. Thank you, Nareen.
I just love your work, the smell of the sea, the freedom of flight
I’m very grateful that you do, thank you, Anthony.
I want to with them. These images make me feel as though I could.
Having wings for flying could have some advantages! Thanks for your comment, Elena.
So beautiful and graceful! Like the wind by the sea!
I’m glad you like these, Kristel, thank you!
Your shadows having beautiful tone !
An overcast day can be perfect for photographing some subjects. Thanks very much, Yoshizen.
Beautiful.
Thanks, Allen!
Karen, I love your motion work. Whether it be your doing (car moving), or the birds. It is simply beautiful. A need to fly.
I seem to be focused (unfocused?) on capturing motion so I’m glad you enjoy it too, Hollis. Thank you.
Lovely! You give me a change to feel what I am – free! ❤
That’s a great feeling! Thanks, Gro. : )
Sheer beauty.
Much thanks, Louis.
Ethereal is the word that comes to mind and graceful. We too get gulls with only one leg. Is it a chance encounter with a nasty beastie from the deep, or something even more nasty like a fishing line caught tight around a leg that eventually dies and falls away 😦 What ever has happened they still cope and get on with living and fly as beautifully as the next bird.
Yes, as long as you have wings the feet are not as important, I guess. Thanks, Lee.
Beautiful imagery. I’m not sure I would have stepped out into a swarm of insects though. 🙂
Happily they didn’t seem to be biting! Thanks very much.
Oh gorgeous! So much white on white in the sky, I love it! Beautifully written! Beautiful composition! 🙂
Much thanks for your enthusiasm, Gigi! 🙂
Awesome clicks….The first pic is really thrilling …:)
Gorgeous!
I really love the last one, something very dream like about it – beautiful
Wonderful shots, Karen! I particularly like the first – it shows the effort of flying, but also a hint of the bird’s roots in primeval nature.
Really beautiful. Brings to mind a moment on my weekend when I got to witness for the first time a great flock of cormorants swarming within inches of the shore.
The text here is as ethereal as the images. Lyrical, Karen.
xo
So very nice, Karen…it’s almost a study in white, as well….
I love how you turn grey into something so beautiful and of all shades..smooth as milk..
Delightful images of birds in flight. Of course makes me think of Jonathan Livingston Seagull. So beautiful.
lovely peaceful shots, a real pleasure to bask in